It’s the middle of summer, and you’re feeling hot, but your air conditioner isn’t working. Maybe it’s not cooling as well as it used to, or maybe it just stopped working altogether. Whatever the reason may be, there are some common reasons that your AC might not work anymore.
This blog post will cover some of the most common causes of AC failure to help you troubleshoot and fix these problems yourself. And even after fixing these issues, your AC does not work, it may be time to invest in a new AC. If you are facing any of these problems, you can rely on Anderson Air to solve your problem.
1. Frozen Evaporator Coils
The coils in your air conditioner are what make it work. The inside of the coil contains a refrigerant that is frozen, which makes your house cool and comfortable. When it gets too hot from a lack of airflow or because ice builds upon them, their performance decreases, and you start to have issues with temperature regulation again.
The best way to avoid this problem is by using a dehumidifier in your home. It will help keep the coil cool and free of ice, which can cause major problems with temperature regulation. You should also make sure that you have proper airflow around the unit at all times, so it doesn’t get too hot as well.
2. Low Refrigerant
Oftentimes, the refrigerant levels inside your air conditioner fall below the lethal threshold. A leak or a break in the system will cause this issue to arise. Low levels of refrigerant can also be caused by an indoor coil that is coated with solidified contaminants from dirt and dust. The only way to fix low refrigerant levels is to refill the chamber with a high-quality refrigerant.
3. Problems With The Fan
Among the most common causes of AC failure may be the problem with the fan. The blades are very vulnerable to damage and dirt accumulation, which can cause them to stop turning or even break. If not cleaned regularly, this will lead to further problems in the system.
4. Leakage In The Ducts
Leakage in the ducts is a major cause of AC failure. This common problem can be caused by not using enough insulation, faulty seals, or even just objects that have become lodged. When your system starts struggling to keep up with cooling demands, this is an issue you need to address as soon as possible.
5. Clogged Drains
The drain in your condenser unit is the opening through which water and other fluids are expelled from the system. This means that clogged drains can lead to a buildup of pressure within your AC, leading to flooding or even an explosion. You should have this inspected by a professional every year to check for blockages, corrosion, leaks, etc., and to clean any debris from the drain.
6. Issues With Thermostat
Even if the thermostat is set to a temperature that feels comfortable, your AC might still be failing because of issues with the thermostat. For example, it could have been damaged during installation or accidentally bumped by someone in the household. The calibration may also need adjusting for greater accuracy. During these types of situations, you should consult a heating and cooling technician to find out the extent of the damage.
7. Issues With The Capacitors
The major factor is the capacitors in your system. Capacitors are used to store and release power as needed, but they can get too hot because of how electricity moves across them and may improperly discharge into other parts of the AC unit or cause a spike elsewhere if enough voltage gets through it. The capacitor then needs replacement with new ones.
8. Worn Contactor
Worn contactors are the most common cause of an AC failure. Worn contacts can cause intermittent power to the air conditioner, and it may not run at all on some days, while other times, it might work just fine for hours or even days without a problem.
If the contractors are malfunctioning, they may not close completely and will leave a small gap in which air can escape or enter. This has been known to cause problems with an AC system’s charge cycle as well. If you experience these issues on your own equipment, replace worn-out contacts immediately.
9. Filter
The filter is the common reason for air conditioning failure. If it becomes dirty or clogged, then your unit will stop functioning. This can happen due to normal wear and tear as well as a buildup of dirt, debris, and grime that have accumulated over time. You should pay special attention to this area since it’s easy to forget about the filter. You can use household items such as a vacuum cleaner, broom, or even some aluminum foil to clean it out. If this doesn’t work, though, you should contact your HVAC contractor for assistance in replacing the unit if need be.
Tips To Maintain Your AC
Following are the tips that will help in ensuring that your AC remains well-maintained:
- Keep the unit clean by vacuuming or brushing on the outside and wiping down on the inside. Clean coils regularly to avoid the buildup of dust, mold, mildew, leaves, and pollen from entering through vents. Use a detergent-like dishwashing soap without bleach for best results.
- Check the filter monthly to make sure it is not blocked with debris and replace it every three months or as needed.
- Run an AC vent cleaning service at least once a year, especially if you have pets inside your home that may track in dirt from outside through the vents.
- Clean or replace your filter monthly (or as needed) if there are pets in your home. This will help keep dirt from getting into the unit.
- Have a professional come out annually to do maintenance on your AC unit and check for any potential leaks or problems that may arise. Leaking coolant could lead to mold growth in the outside condenser coils, which will affect how well it operates. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to AC maintenance.
Conclusion
These are some of the common issues that you can deal with in your AC. Ensure that you do not overlook these issues and get them treated in a timely manner. If you ignore them initially, they can turn out to be a big, costly issue in the future.
